Geraint Thomas to meet riders at new Cross Pennine 100 ride

6 July 2011

Cycling star Geraint Thomas will meet riders taking part in the first Cross Pennine 100 in aid of children’s charity Action Medical Research on Sunday 31 July. The new event offers two scenic routes into the Yorkshire Dales and there are still places available.

Thomas, who is the charity’s Cycling Ambassador, will welcome people back at the end of the new ride which starts and finishes in Clitheroe, Lancashire. The Olympic team pursuit champion and Team Sky pro will finish riding in this year’s Tour de France the weekend before the charity cycle challenge.

The Cross Pennine 100 offers a choice of two hilly routes of either 100-miles or a shorter, but still challenging, 100km route. Both head over into the Yorkshire Dales and take in areas of Bowland and Gisburn Forests, Malhamdale and the Ribble Valley, as well as part of southern Cumbria on the longer version.

The event is fully supported, with feed stations and buffet lunch, moto marshals, mechanics and chip timing. It is part of the charity’s popular RIDE100 series of one-day bike rides taking place in stunning cycling locations around the UK.

Geraint Thomas says: “We take it for granted that most kids will learn to ride a bike one day, however sadly that’s not the case. Action Medical Research funds vital work to help children affected by disease and disabilities, who struggle with everyday life. I’m really looking forward to being part of this new event. There are still places available so please join me for a fantastic day out on the bike.”

Cyclists participating in the Cross Pennine 100 will be raising money to help fund medical research into conditions affecting babies and children.

Action Medical Research has 30 years experience in organising successful bike rides. Routes are monitored and clearly signposted. Snack and lunch stops are provided and medical and mechanical staff are on hand at all times.

Action Medical Research is the leading UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children. We know that medical research can save and change children’s lives. For nearly 60 years we have been instrumental in significant medical breakthroughs, including the development of the UK polio vaccine and ultrasound scanning in pregnancy.

Today, we continue to find and fund the very best medical research to help stop the suffering of babies and children caused by disease and disability. We want to make a difference in: